Broadening Horizons

Although studying to achieve A Levels or vocational qualifications is important, at Downham Market Academy, we do not believe that it is the only reason for coming to sixth form and we hope that your time with us will enable you to broaden your horizons in many ways.

If you are interested in sport, then our facilities are without parallel. All students have access to the academy sports centre and there are vast playing fields on site for both informal and formal games – such as those for the “Ryston Shield”, an extremely popular five-a-side soccer competition.

Students are also given the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at an appropriate level and every year, a large contingent of our students obtain

the Gold Award.

We actively encourage participation in voluntary projects at the academy, in town or in the wider community. This is a community linked to the National Citizenship Service scheme which also provides the opportunity to become an International citizen and volunteer.

We also hope that all sixth form students will be prepared to undertake some community or charity work. Funds are raised for such organisations as the NSPCC, Comic Relief, Children in Need, Macmillan, Cancer Research and the MS Society in a variety of ways – including parachute jumps and twenty-four hour pool marathons. Additionally, we offer the National Citizen Service programme at the academy. The large number of students who have successfully completed this programme means we have earned ‘Champion’ status and allows us to offer more free places to our students.

The academy puts on major drama productions each year, with sixth form students playing major roles, both on- stage and behind the scenes. There are also opportunities for musicians to develop their skills and perform in public.

We encourage all of our students to commit to work experience placements during Year 12.